Model of HDF-2500 frigate BRP Jose Rizal (photo : rhk111)“The ship’s launching is approaching fast, which is expected to be sometime between 17-19 May 2019. MaxDefense will make the final confirmation soon, as everything can still change depending on the availability of DND officials to grace the event in South Korea, or depending on circumstances in HHI’s yard,” MaxDefense said.Philippine Navy chief Robert Vice Admiral Empedrad said in March that on May 17 to 19, he and National Defense Secretary Delfin Lorenzana are scheduled to be in South Korea to launch BRP Jose Rizal.Future BRP Jose Rizal is one of the 2 frigates being built by Hyundai Heavy Industries (HHI) in South Korea.“Ibig sabihin ng launching ng first frigate is yung barko ay tapos na yung ginagawa sa kanya sa dry-dock, so ibaba siya, mag-fofloat na siya sa dagat from the dock of the shipyard,” he explained.“After the launching of BRP Jose Rizal, ito naman ‘yung keel laying ng ating BRP Antonio Luna, ‘yung second frigate,” he added.He said the two frigates will be delivered six months apart. Delivery of first frigate is expected first quarter of 2020.(Mintfo)